In 2022, Qatar's World Cup group stage matches in Groups A and B came to an end, with the United States vs. Iran being a particularly notable matchup. Although the two teams are not soccer powerhouses, the match naturally attracted global attention given the longstanding tensions between the two countries and the recent spate of clashes. Iran failed to beat Wales, while a brilliant shot by "Captain America" Pulisic helped the U.S. reach the round of 16. However, the match was a far cry from the 1998 clash, both in terms of content and plot, which made Ren Ran nostalgic for the past.
Looking back to 1997, who remembers how many fans were present at the Jinzhou Stadium to witness the tragedy of China's 2-4 defeat against Iran. In those years, names such as Ali Daei, Bagheri and Madavikia may still haunt the fans. That year, the last hope of the Chinese team was drowned out by a cry of "replace Li Tie", and eventually did not reach the World Cup. Despite being just one step away from France, people still believe in a bright future for Chinese soccer.
Also in 1997, the World Cup draw in France was met with jubilation when French star Tresor presided over the draw. Iran and the United States are in Group c, and relations between the two countries are strained. Iran and the United States have been mortal enemies since Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979. During the Iran-Iraq war, the United States supplied Iraq with large quantities of weapons and banned the supply of spare parts to the Iranian air force. Later in the war, the U.S. fought Iran to protect oil shipments and shot down Iranian civilian aircraft, killing 290 people. At this time, Argentina was losing the war on the Isle of Man, and the Iranian players' ability to beat the United States in a spirited battle at the World Cup in France was at the center of attention.
In 1997, Beijing Guoan hosted Japan's Kawasaki Beldi in the third round of the Asian Cup. No need to mobilize the national hatred, the old coach Jin Zhiyang's pre-match speech to inspire people, the Spanish foreign aid Andrés with "I am a Chinese" bold words, in the cheers of more than 50,000 fans, three consecutive flying shovels, ignited the atmosphere of the home stadium. In the end, Guoan eliminated their rivals from the tournament by virtue of his great pass and the youngster scored with a shot from the south. At that time, the Chinese league was not yet influential, and people fantasized that one day it would dominate Asia and go global.
In 1997, France held early World Cup drills to fill the gap before the World Cup and invited strong teams such as Brazil, Italy and England to participate. Carlos shocked the world by scoring a stunning free kick in the invitational match. That tournament was won by England, and it was thought that England would revive its former glory and become the top team in the world.
Time has passed, and at the 1998 World Cup in France, Iran and the United States erupted in thunderous applause and cheers when Iranian players offered white roses to American players at the end of the match.
Despite the intense rivalry between the two teams on the court, it was not as special as expected. The U.S. ended up losing the game 1-2, but the players were not discouraged. U.S. defender Argus said, "Despite the loss, both of our teams did more in 90 minutes than politicians have done in 20 years. It was nice to see that."
However, times have changed, 25 years later. Ali Daei was arrested for his involvement in Iranian protests and Iranian players refused to sing the national anthem in their first match against England. The US team also sparked controversy by tampering with the Iranian flag on Twitter. The domestic situation and external pressures have Iran facing the United States once again, perhaps never to return to the summer in France.
Now, 25 years later, Beijing's Workers' Stadium has undergone a makeover and is about to welcome the world with a new look. After losing the right to host the Asian Cup, there is no word on when the new tournament will take place. Beijing Guoan has not played at home in Beijing for nearly three years and has faced many problems in the Chinese Super League. We must wait and see when the Chinese Super League will return to normal and recreate the glory of 1997.
Today, 25 years later, England, Brazil and France are still World Cup favorites. They train hard, emphasize scientific passing and precise passing, and highlight problem orientation and effect orientation. In the group stage, they overcame all the difficulties and became world-class teams.
Today, 25 years later, Wulihe in Shenyang has become a mecca for Chinese soccer. The stadium has been transformed into a library, and the statue of former Chinese men's soccer coach Li Tie was removed overnight. Li Tie himself is under investigation for alleged serious violations of the law. The history of Chinese soccer has once again left a dishonorable page.
Indeed, 25 years is not an eternity. The dramatic changes in the world landscape make it impossible to go back in time. Soccer can no longer stay away from politics and be a bridge of friendship in the world. In the match between Iran and the United States, perhaps no one will offer white roses. Tense confrontation may be the main theme of the new era.
However, I can't help but think of that classic line when I mention those past events:
"1997 is over and I miss it."
Instead of reminiscing about the past
